Shark Tank Nepal unveil ‘sharks’ for its first season

The first season’s panel has a lineup of business tycoons and industry leaders — Saurabh Jyoti, Cabinet Shrestha, Ritu Singh Vaidya, Hem Raj Dhakal and Anand Bagaria as its judges
Sharks - Anand Bagaria, Cabinet Shrestha, Hem Raj Dhakal joined

The much-awaited business reality show, Shark Tank Nepal, is gearing up for an exciting first season, and the list of judges has finally been revealed! The show, which provides a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, is expected to become a cornerstone of the startup ecosystem in Nepal.

The first season’s panel boasts a lineup of business leaders who are sure to bring their expertise and sharp insights to the table. The judges for this season include: Saurabh Jyoti, Cabinet Shrestha, Ritu Singh Vaidya, Hem Raj Dhakal and Anand Bagaria.

Himalaya Television HD which has secured the sole license of production and broadcasting for Shark Tank Nepal will be airing it on the channel early next year, and the excitement surrounding the new season is already building up as entrepreneurs from across the country will now prepare to pitch their proposals.

Announcing the judges for the first season, the Himalayan TV HD is now set for a 20-episode series where it will showcase aspiring entrepreneurs. The show is now inviting businesses from all industries to apply for a chance to secure investment in exchange for equity or debt. 

Applicants must have a registered and operational business in Nepal for at least one year, with the founders being Nepali citizens. Entrepreneurs can submit their applications via the Himalaya TV app or the official Himalaya TV website. For applications, find a link here. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2025.

The judges will be evaluating the entrepreneurs based on their innovative ideas, business models, scalability, and passion for their projects. The program aims to make an investment of up to Rs 400 million, however this will depend on the scalability prospects of the businesses that will pitch their ideas in the program, said the panelists during the unveiling of the judges.

Since its debut in 2001 as Money Tigers on Nippon TV in Japan, the business reality show format has become the world’s most adapted, with versions now in over 50 territories as of 2024, says the TV’s press release. Distributed globally by Sony Pictures Television (SPT), the format airs under various titles, including Shark Tank in countries like the United States, Mexico, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Lions’ Den in Germany, Denmark, and Kenya, and the original Dragons’ Den in the United Kingdom.